Libyan actors
Tracking developments of Libyan Actors in Libya’s security space including armed group activity, state security operations and political activities pertaining to Libya’s security.
3 April – 9 April: Founding member of Ajdabiya Revolutionaries Shura Council suspect of participating in Tripoli clashes
On 9 April, unconfirmed reports suggest Abrek Maazak is participating in the clashes in Tripoli. Maazak is a founding member of Ajdabiya Revolutionaries Shura Council, an Islamist brigade formerly linked with Ansar Al-Sharia and the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council.
3 April – 9 April: Airstrikes occur in the Uweinat area targeting suspected terrorists
On 3 April, airstrikes occurred in the Uweinat area close to the Libya-Egypt border, targeting alleged terrorists. No country has claimed responsibility for the airstrikes.
3 April – 9 April: Libyan National Army launches operation on Tripoli
On 3 April, the Libyan National Army (LNA) announced the launch of its long-anticipated operation in western Libya. On 4 April, LNA leader Khalifa Haftar released a statement declaring Operation “Flood of Dignity” to liberate Tripoli.
27 March – 2 April: ISIS captive identifies leader of kidnapping group as “Yemeni emir”
On 25 March, the Sabratha Security Directorate arrested a suspected ISIS member. On 28 March, a Libyan news media outlet published the testimony of a civilian kidnapped by ISIS late last year. On 1 April, the Misrata Security Directorate disposed of four tonnes of UXOs planted by ISIS in 2016.
27 March – 2 April: Two al-Qaeda members arrested in Misrata
On 29 March, two al-Qaeda members from Derna were reported to have been arrested in Misrata. The individuals are said to have participated in fighting in Syria with the Battar Battalion.
27 March – 2 April: “Libya Quartet” meets on side-lines of Arab League Summit
On 30 March, the so-called Libya Quartet met on the side-lines of the 30th Arab League Summit. On 27 March, Libyan National Army (LNA) head Khalifa Haftar visited Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. On 27 March, the Chadian government announced it has established a security force in its Tibesti Province to patrol its Libyan border.
27 March – 2 April: Haftar states within two weeks there will be a unified government in Libya
On 29 March, Haftar states that within two weeks there will be a unified government in Libya. On 31 March, the LNA’s 155 Battalion, declared to the LNA Central Command its readiness for mobilising. On 30 March, elections for nine of the 69 municipals councils in southern and western Libya took place.
20 March – 26 March: Rada arrest notable ISIS fighter in Ras Ajdir
On 22 March, Rada arrested a notable ISIS fighter from Sirte, Ahmed Masoud Ammari, On 22 March, a former local security force member thought killed by ISIS was found dead near al-Bartamah. On 21 March, the SPF disposed of three unexploded ordinances suspected of being from when ISIS had control of the city in 2016.
20 March – 26 March: LNA killed Sirte terrorist in Qatrun
On 20 March, Libyan National Army (LNA) forces killed a suspected terrorist from Sirte in Qatrun. The individual’s affiliation has been released.